Ch. 12 Just Your Usual Friday Night

Alabast looks down at the two teams. The girls previously mentioned are blushing while Ren and Nora are smiling. Nora way more than Ren but still smiling.

"Since the beginning?" Alabast asks waiting for someone to answer.

"The beginning!" Nora shouts happily.

"And you heard everything?"

"Everything!" She confirms as she raises her arms above her head.

Alabast closes his eyes and holds Ruby tighter.

"Ren and Nora, can you leave please?" Ruby asks but you can tell she is telling and not asking.

"What? But this is the best pa-" Nora is cut off by Ren who drags her away.

"See you back at the dorms guys. Take your time" Ren states in his in his usual monotone voice.

"But Reeeeeen~" Nora complains as she is dragged away. She wants to listen and congratulate them if things go well. But she doesn't know what she would do if things don't go as she hopes they will.

Now Pyrrha, Yang, Weiss and Blake are left on the ground.

"Sooooo….." Ruby says not knowing what to say now. She's also still trapped by Alabast.

"I need time"

Everyone looks at Alabast as he opens his eyes, or eye that they see, and looks at them.

"I need time to think about it. I never thought about loving more than one person. I know some of you may not want to be a part of it but if I decide to go through with it I'll convince you. I won't be surprised if you don't accept it, but we will have to see what the future holds" Ruby feels his hold on her loosen.

"And 'alpha' does have a nice ring to it" Alabast adds at the end, thinking about the term and title. Maybe Ozpin knows something.

Looking at his friends, and potential mates apparently, down below him. He sees varying expressions on their faces.

——This is where we see their view——

-Blake

Blake felt conflicted about the romance. She remembered Adam and how he acted just before she left the White Fang. Adam used to be kind and sweet. He used to have a code and stuck to it. He seemed like the best guy, like the guy she could spend the rest of her life with. The problem was the 'seemed' part. Because at some point the peaceful protests weren't enough, and he got more violent.

And before Blake knew it, the guy she loved for years had completely changed. Blake didn't know when exactly but she finally noticed when Adam was willing to sacrifice a train full of people, both Faunus and Human families,

just to destroy one cart full of dust.

Blake left after saving the people and went to Vale which had the Beacon Academy for huntsmen for a fresh start. And that's where Alabast comes in and only stresses her out that he will drag her back to the White Fang. But then she heard his and Ruby's conversation.

Now her thoughts were all over the place. She didn't think Alabast felt like an outcast even within the White Fang. He had always popped up over the years. At first he was just some other kid. But then he started to talk to her more over the years. She wouldn't mind talking to him to pass the time, but that was it. She would wait for Adam to come around and she would say goodbye to Alabast and join whatever Adam was going to do.

Spending time with Alabast for the past week she realizes that Alabast is a better person than Adam. Adam changed for the worse while it seems Alabast has changed for the better. She had blown him off to the side time and time again not even thinking about how he felt or why he was trying to talk to her. She didn't think she was so alike with Weiss.

Blake loves romance stories, especially the ones that delve into the spicier side of the romance. She needs time to think about what to do next.

-Weiss

Weiss Schnee. She thought about romance growing up like everyone else did. But she was always taught by her father that she was better than everyone else. That she had higher standards than everyone else. He said the Faunus couldn't be trusted, granted that was after some Faunus broke into their home and tried to kill her and her mom and sister as well as her baby brother. She believed his words, and it's not like she had any reason not to. But as she grew up she started to realize that some of his rules and words were lies.

She eventually became a very famous idol. She started in Atlas and her influence quickly spread from there. She was very beautiful and talented, so of course everyone would love her. She didn't just want to be an idol. She also wanted to be a huntress, because she is the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. Not because she is getting petty revenge against her father that controls her life. And definitely not to get revenge against the White Fang that has threatened not only her life but her family and family friends. And not to be like her sister that joined the Atlas military. Nope, only because she is an heiress.

And because she is an heiress, who she married is very important. And her parents had conflicting views. Her mother wanted her to be happy. Her mother told her this when she was younger, when she wasn't a complete alcoholic mess like she is now. While her father stated a list of requirements, they mainly had to do with the company and keeping it at the top. Like she had to marry someone of high status. She wouldn't get a say in it, and her father set up marriage interviews when she was 16.

Weiss has been trying to find out more about the world. She is smart, but she is also a little naive. And it's not her fault entirely. She had the wool pulled over her eyes and the information she has been getting fed was Atlas propaganda or changed in some degree. Now she is trying to find the truth and Alabast has helped her realize her errors and has even corrected her view at some points.

She doesn't not like Alabast. It's just the idea of him having others that bothers her. She doesn't want to end up in a relationship like her mothers and is very cautious. She wants to find her true love, but she won't blindly dive in. Alabast is strong, kind even though he denies it, sweet, masculine, handsome and mysterious, has a great body,….scarred more than herself….., has a strong will, has a great body, eyes that she can get lost in, great hair, and his ears and tail are adorable.

Weiss was lost while thinking about Alabast. She shakes her head and can't believe that a man can make her, Weiss Schnee, be like a foolish teenager and fall in love. She was better than that, right?

-Yang

Yang has a few issues and that's not talking about her romance views on this idea. No, it's mainly her abandonment issues. Her mom left her and her father when she was just born. She pretended to be strong for her fathers sake so he wouldn't worry about her. After some time she got a sister who she adored when she was two, she didn't really understand much but she loved her. And her new mother was great too. But then even she left and never came back when she was 6. Ruby's mom had apparently died while on a mission. So Yang had to be strong, not only for herself but for her family. She didn't want to be abandoned anymore so she decided to get stronger. There were other reasons of course, like protecting her baby sis and defending herself.

Yang has made a rule for herself that nobody can date her unless they prove it and can beat her in battle. She didn't really care if they were male or female, as long as they loved her and she loved them. And they don't leave her. Few things can scare Yang Xiao Long. And one of those fears is being left behind and abandoned. She is reluctant to get romantically involved with anyone, that's also why she set the rule for herself. She was the strongest back at Signal and she turned down all the guys that tried to get with her. But then Alabast comes in and not only wipes the floor with her. But also two other people alongside her. Her dad and uncle could have done it, but she wonders if they could have done it with the ease Alabast did.

Yang jokes and is sarcastic about guys she finds interesting but Alabast is just...'wowzers'. He seems to be like her just, very hurt and without the family that helped her. She wondered about a lot of things the past week. If she was good enough to be at Beacon, is she a good teammate, what the future will be like. And then there is Alabast. She likes him but she knows Ruby does too. She doesn't want to take the guy her little sis likes. So shouldn't she be happy that she can share Alabast with her? And wouldn't that mean that there would be less ressons for Alabast to leave her for another woman?

Yang was making excuses in her mind to deny this offer but something inside her wanted to give it a try. But it was a big step to take.

-Pyrrha

Pyrrha was anything but 'The Invincible Girl'. She may have become really strong, but she had worried and fears, goals and aspirations. She wanted to find a man to love and spend her life with, but no guy would even approach her. Then Alabast appeared. And they got along together well and were even on the same team. Not only that, he could match her in battle and even beat her. They even shared their vulnerability with each other. She didn't think she was one to fall in love at first sight, but that was until she saw Alabast. And it's just been snowballing. But her fears of losing him to the others also grew. Her rivals for his heart were beauties and were great. Then she heard that they can share him. And she didn't immediately like that idea however she quickly turned around and liked it. Not only would she get Alabast, but the others wouldn't be sad. They would also be better friends, like sisters. Friends that didn't care about titles or fame, she loved this idea more and more.

And she didn't care that Alabast was a Faunus, it actually made him even hotter. His tail was amazing. She enjoyed being able to tell what his emotions are by just seeing his tail. Then there are his ears that make him absolutely adorable when he scratches them. And when they drop down or stand up. His hair is also an easily solvable problem. They just need to brush him. And when they do it's so soft fluffy. And when he sleeps it's to die for, at least when he isn't having nightmares. She doesn't really know how to help him with those.

She was worried about his scars and what happened, and she still is after he explained them. But for some reason some of them have gotten less noticeable. Maybe his body is getting rid of them for some reason? It's hard to notice but she pays attention to the small things.

——————

Alabast was sitting on the tree branch and watching the girls. He didn't exactly know what to think, but he would think about it later. He jumps down to the ground while holding Ruby. He's holding her by her stomach with his forearms. Kind of like a dog as payback for her scratching his ears.

"Alabast, you can set me down now" Ruby says as she looks up and sees his hair on her hair. She can't see his full face even from her current position. But she is getting a closer look at his eye and scars. Also his nose.

"No, I don't think I will" Alabast says and tightens his hold of Ruby.

"Let's go back to the dorms for tonight. We all need rest and time"

"Yeah, so you can let me go right Ashy?" Ruby was starting to get squirmy. She didn't mind being held by Alabast, but carried is something different. How it's diferent? Ruby says it is.

"Don't worry Little Red, I can carry you back. Think of it as repayment for scratching my head earlier today" Alabast had a smirk on his face for getting his petty revenge.

"No, you don't have to. I can walk" Ruby started to try and move his arms but realized how strong and firm they are. They were muscular and felt….cool.

"Don't be shy now Little Red. It's not a problem for me"

"Yang~. Big sis~" Ruby decides to suck her big sis on Alabast to get her out of his hold.

Yang is woken from her thoughts by her sisters pleads for help. She looks at her little sister in the arms of the big frame that is Alabast. It's very adorable. She pulls out her scroll and flashes a picture. She looks at it and it's kind of scary. Ruby is trying to get free while Alabast is holding her with a smirk and his eye that isn't covered by his hair is glowing red in the picture, like how an animals eyes reflect the light in pictures.

"You seem like you can handle it" Yang smirks and puts away her scroll.

"What? You're letting someone else hold me? Betrayal!" Ruby squirms and tries harder to get free. But Alabast just has too great of a hold on her.

"Fine, I'll help….." Yang runs over to the two and jumps at Ruby. "Myself!" She hugs Alabast with Ruby between them. Yang rubs her cheek on Ruby's cheek as she latches onto Alabast. She can feel his muscles and regrets not thinking before she impulsively did this. She would be on her tippy toes if she didn't have her legs wrapped around Alabast to keep Ruby from resisting her sisterly affection. She really didn't think this through, this is a bit extreme for even her. Her brain is still thinking about certain things. And now most of them are about Alabast and his body….

"Ok...Does anybody else want a ride back to the dorm since I'm apparently offering?" Alabast doesn't know why Yang all of a sudden decided to jump on him.

'She's surprisingly light' he thought, he wouldn't ever say that to her. He didn't want to cause trouble when he could avoid it.

"I'm capable of walking!" Weiss states loudly and crosses her arms as she looks away from the three of them.

"I'm fine, thanks" Pyrrha politely declined.

And Blake is just lost in thought.

"Traitor! How could you do this Yang!" Ruby is securely held now and can barely move. "Weiss! Partner! Friend! Bestie!"

Weiss turns around completely after hearing the pleas of her leader.

"Wah! Blake?!" Ruby is reaching for anything at this point.

"You reap what you sow" Blake says after coming out of her thoughts. She has watched what happened but was busy sorting through her troubles.

"Pyrrha?" Ruby was really trying to get a lifeline.

"Sorry Ruby. But since it's Alabast I can't go against his order"

"But he didn't order you! And are you saying you would do anything he says?!"

"Well, not anything" Pyrrha puts her hands behind her and blushes as she looks to the side.

Ruby hangs her head down and her nose is assaulted by Yang and Alabast's hair. She feels like she's gonna sneeze but then it goes away quickly.

"Well that settles it. Let's get going" Alabast turns towards the way back to the dorms and takes a few steps.

With the hair now moving Ruby couldn't help but sneeze. Her forehead hits Yangs shoulder which made her dizzy but her foot recoiled when she sneezed. And her feet just so happened to hit Alabast since he was holding her.

Alabast heard her sneeze but then felt a great pain. He stopped walking mid step and his eyes went wide while his arms reflexively started crushing Ruby a little.

"Owwie!" Ruby says with her head feeling slightly dizzy while her stomach is getting squeezed a bit.

"You ok sis?" Yang felt her sister bang her head on her shoulder and knew she would feel that one for a while. And she felt her sisters legs move but didn't think anything of it.

Yang looks up at Alabast since he stopped moving and walking. She sees his eye is opened wide and his mouth is slightly open and it looks like he is trying to talk.

"You ok Ashy?" Yang gets no response except for his eye to look down at her, still wide. Is he in pain? But nothing has hurt him yet, why is he hurt now?

Blake, Weiss and Pyrrha walk around Alabast and see the state he is in. After a few seconds he closes his eyes and mouth but doesn't move otherwise.

"Owwie…..is….right" He says in pain.

"What happened Alabast?" Pyrrha says worriedly.

"Did something hurt you?" Weiss asks

Blake was in shock. She's seen Alabast tank hits before and not show this much pain on his face. Something must seriously be wrong. She wonders what can hurt him so badly without being visible to them.

"Ruby…..sneezed…..and she....kicked….." Alabast is having difficulty speaking.

"She kicked?" Blake wonders.

That is when they realize where Ruby's legs are and what she could kick that would cause so much pain for a guy.

"Give….me a...minute..." Alabast is able to fix his stance and stand up normally. "….Thank….The Gods…..for aura" He gets out.

Theres awkward silence and the girls blushing and cringing at the blow dealt to Alabast. They know that any man would be taken down by a blow there. They honestly are surprised that Alabast has stayed standing and not fallen. They may not understand the pain, but they can understand since they have seen videos on the internet.

A few minutes later and Alabast has recovers physically. Mentally? Gonna be a few more minutes. Aura can fix the body, but not his emotions.

"Alright. Let's hurry back. I'm suddenly very tired" Alabast continues walking and the girls follow.

The girls don't say anything. They don't know what to say. Ruby feels bad about it. So as they get near the dorms she apologizes. "I'm sorry Alabast, I didn't mean to. I'm glad your ok"

"Apology accepted. Look at it like this. You were the first person at Beacon to actually land a solid blow to me that dealt significant….damage. Right?" Alabast says as the doors open automatically to the building. It's late on a Friday night and there's surprisingly nobody walking around.

"Haha…..Yay~" Ruby says with fake enthusiasm. This isn't how she would have liked to get that award.

They make their way to their dorms and when they are outside the rooms he waits for Yang to let go.

"Time to let go blond koala" Alabast says.

Yang realizes that she was the one holding onto him and gets down. "You're surprisingly a good ride" Yang smirks at her unintentional innuendo but will take it.

"Surprisingly?" Alabast wonders.

"That's what bothers you?!" Weiss quietly and loudly questions.

Alabast thinks about it for a second and realizes what Weiss meant. He decides to mess with her. "Yes it is. Would you like to prove Yang right?"

Weiss blushes at what Alabast was suggesting. The other girls as well, even if they knew he was joking.

Alabast sets Ruby down. "Be free Little Red"

"Finally!" Ruby shouts as she is set down on the ground forgetting what he said before.

"You don't have to sound so happy about it" Alabast stands back up after bending down to not drop Ruby.

"I didn't enjoy being carried. I enjoyed the hug before that" Ruby said with a serious face and eyes closed. Then she opens her eyes and blushes.

Alabast scratches the back of his head and turns towards his dorm room and takes out his scroll to open the door. "Me too, I guess"

Alabast opens the door and walks inside. He sees Ren laying on his bed while Nora is sitting beside him with her feet on the floor. She starts tapping Rens shoulder. "Their back!"

"I can hear that and now see that"

Alabast walks in and Pyrrha follows him in.

Nora jumps up and skips over to Pyrrha. She grabs her hand and walks her into the common room and closes the door. 'Excited Nora noises' can be heard from the other side.

Alabast sighs and grabs his pajamas which are the long sleeve white compression shirt and a pair of gray sweatpants. He goes to the bathroom to get ready for sleep.

Even while he was showering he could hear Nora. But she soon quieted down. He finished his shower and brushed his teeth. He got dressed and exited the bathroom.

He saw Nora showing something to Ren on her scroll while Pyrrha was sitting on her bed. Nora noticed that Alabast was going over to his bed and skipped over to him.

"What is it?" Alabast asked as he looks at Noras scroll that she holds out for him to see. She has a giant smile on her face and is giggling.

He sees the picture that Yang took when he was holding Ruby.

"That looks very bad out of context" Is all he said before laying down.

"But it's so adorable! Look at you and Ruby. You're holding her like she's fragile!" Nora turns her scroll back around and looks at the picture again.

"Do you girls just have a group chat you share pictures on?" Alabast wonders aloud.

"Whaaaat? Noooo" Nora suspiciously denies.

"Nora, it's not a secret" Pyrrha speaks up.

"Oh good. I'm not good at keeping secrets for very long" Nora relaxes her shoulders as she walks back over to Rens bed. But then she turns around again and looks closely at Alabast's hair.

She wonders why it looks different but can't figure it out. Then she goes back to bugging Ren.

"Goodnight Ember"

"Goodnight to you too Ash"

And with that Alabast puts his headphones on and drifts to sleep after finding a comfortable spot on his bed.

Pyrrha watches as Alabast rolled around to find his comfy spot. He wasn't loud but it was adorable to watch. She lays down facing Alabast and watches him sleep for a minute before closing her eyes and thinking about the future.